Choosing a structure
Which structure suits you?
The right structure depends on what you're building, who's involved and your plans for the future. We'll talk it through with you before anything is set up.
Company
A separate legal entity with its own tax obligations. Often suits trading businesses that want limited liability and room to grow.
Discretionary (family) trust
The trustee decides each year how income and capital are shared among beneficiaries. Commonly used for family businesses and investments.
Unit trust
Entitlements are fixed by the units each person holds. Often used when unrelated parties invest or do business together.
Self-managed super fund
Members are also the trustees, giving you control over your retirement savings and investment choices, along with the compliance responsibilities.
Fixed-fee packages
Setting up a new entity
Getting your structure right from the start can save you money in the long run. Speaking with an expert first gives you peace of mind that you understand the benefits of your structure and your obligations.
Company set-up
- Initial meeting with a director
- Company registration and set-up
- Help with director IDs
- Discussion of the registrations you need, as applicable: GST, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments, fringe benefits tax, fuel tax credits and wine equalisation tax
- Help with banking and accounting software choices, as required
Discretionary trust
- Meeting with a director on set-up, structure and advice
- Establishment of your discretionary (family) trust
- Discussion of the registrations you need, as applicable: GST, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments, fringe benefits tax, fuel tax credits and wine equalisation tax
- Help with banking and accounting software choices, as required
Unit trust
- Meeting with a director on set-up, structure and advice
- Establishment of your unit trust
- Discussion of the registrations you need, as applicable: GST, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments, fringe benefits tax, fuel tax credits and wine equalisation tax
- Help with banking and accounting software choices, as required
SMSF establishment
- Initial meeting with a director to discuss a corporate or individual trustee structure
- Establishment of the trust structure for your SMSF
- Help with director IDs
- Discussion of the registrations you need, as applicable
- Help with banking and accounting software choices, as required
- An explanation of director duties and compliance obligations, as applicable
How it works
From first meeting to up and running
Meet with a director
We talk through your goals, who's involved and the options, so you understand the benefits and obligations of each structure.
We set it up
We establish your company, trust or fund and look after the registrations you need with the ATO and ASIC.
Ready to run
We help with banking and accounting software, then support you with ongoing accounting, tax and compliance.
FAQs
Entity set-up questions
Which structure is right for me?
It depends on what you're doing, who's involved, how you want income shared and your plans for the future. That's what the initial meeting with a director is for: we'll explain the options and recommend a structure for your circumstances.
What is a corporate trustee?
A company set up to act as the trustee of a trust or SMSF, instead of individuals. It can make it simpler to manage changes over time and keep the trust's assets clearly separate. Our trust packages include a corporate trustee option.
Do I need financial advice before setting up an SMSF?
Technically, no. If you've done your own research and decided to set one up, our accounting team can help you establish it. ASIC recommends getting advice first, and our advisers at MWY Financial Services can explain what running an SMSF involves. See our superannuation page.
Can you look after the entity once it's set up?
Yes. We can prepare its financial statements and tax returns, lodge activity statements and help you stay on top of your ongoing obligations. See our accounting and tax services.
Ready to get set up?
Book a meeting with a director to talk through the right structure for you.